Portland Local News

This weed isn't safe any more

An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop Thursday afternoon along Highway 140W near Lakeview led to the arrest of a Portland man after the trooper discovered approximately 117 lbs of marijuana concealed inside a safe in the vehicle. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation.

On February 20, 2014 at approximately 12:51 p.m., an OSP trooper stopped a rented 2013 Ford Explorer displaying Idaho license plates eastbound on Highway 140W near milepost 95 for a speed violation approaching the city of Lakeview. During the stop, the trooper identified the driver as Paul William Houfek, age 31, from SE Portland.

Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the help of an OSP drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 117 lbs of marijuana in 94 individually sealed packages. The marijuana was concealed inside a large gun safe carried in the back of the sport utility vehicle. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is approximately $290,000.